U.S. patent application number 13/734610 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for wireless charger circuit and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SILICON SPREAD CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SILICON SPREAD CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yongmin GE, Tao JING, Chenxiao REN.
Application Number | 20140194160 13/734610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51061329 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140194160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JING; Tao ; et al. |
July 10, 2014 |
WIRELESS CHARGER CIRCUIT AND METHOD
Abstract
A charging system for a mobile device includes a transmitter and
a receiver. The transmitter includes (a) a first interface to a
power source; (b) a second interface to the receiver; (c) a
polarity detection circuit for detecting polarities of the; and (d)
first and second switches controlled by the polarity detection
circuit, wherein each switch selectively connects a terminal of the
first interface to a terminal of the second interface. The receiver
includes: (a) a first interface; (b) a second interface coupled to
a device to be charged; and (c) a connection circuit between a
terminal of the first interface and a terminal of the second
interface, wherein the connection circuit is conductive when the
voltage across these terminals is of a first polarity, and a second
polarity otherwise.
Inventors: |
JING; Tao; (Fremont, CA)
; REN; Chenxiao; (Fremont, CA) ; GE; Yongmin;
(Sunnyvale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SILICON SPREAD CORPORATION |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SILICON SPREAD CORPORATION
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
51061329 |
Appl. No.: |
13/734610 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/557 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/025 20130101;
H04M 1/0202 20130101; H02J 7/02 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H02J
7/0044 20130101; H04B 1/3883 20130101; H01M 10/4257 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/557 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/38 20060101
H04B001/38 |
Claims
1. In a charging system for a mobile device including a transmitter
and a receiver, the transmitter comprising: a first interface to a
power source having a first terminal and a second terminal; a
second interface to the receiver having a first terminal and a
second terminal; a polarity detection circuit coupled to the first
and second terminals of the second interface for detecting
polarities of the first and second terminals of the second
interface; and first and second switches controlled by the polarity
detection circuit, wherein the first switch selectively connects
the first terminal of the first interface to either the first
terminal of the second interface or the second terminal of the
second interface, and wherein the second switch selectively
connects the first terminal of the first interface to either the
first terminal of the second interface or the second terminal of
the second interface.
2. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the first and second
terminals of the second interface are coupled to planar electrodes
on a charging station for contacting charging terminals of a mobile
device.
3. The transmitter of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
additional terminals in the second interface, and a plurality of
additional switches each selectively connecting one of the
additional terminals to either the first terminal of the first
interface or the second terminal of the first interface.
4. The transmitter of claim 1, further comprising a communication
circuit for providing data over the first and second terminals of
the second interface.
5. The transmitter of claim 4, further comprising a modulation
circuit for modulating data for transmission to the receiver.
6. The transmitter of claim 4, further comprising a demodulation
circuit for demodulating data received from the receiver.
7. The transmitter of claim 4, wherein the data comprises
identification information received from the receiver.
8. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the polarity circuit applies
a voltage on one of the first and second terminals of the second
interface and measures if a current at the other one of the first
and second terminals of the second interface.
9. The transmitter of claim 1, further comprising a temperature
sensing circuit.
10. The transmitter of claim 1, further comprising an over-current
sensing circuit monitoring the currents in the first and second
terminals of the second interface.
11. In a charging system for a mobile device including a
transmitter and a receiver, the receiver comprising: a first
interface having a first terminal and a second terminal; a second
interface having a first terminal and a second terminal coupled to
a device to be charged; a connection circuit between the first
terminal of the first interface and the first terminal of the
second interface, wherein the connection circuit is conductive when
the voltage across the first terminal of the first interface and
the second terminal of the first interface is of a first polarity,
and the connection circuit is non-conductive when the voltage
across the first terminal of the first interface and the second
terminal of the first interface is of a second polarity opposite
the first polarity.
12. The receiver of claim 11, further comprises a diode connecting
the first and second terminals of the second interface.
13. The receiver of claim 11, wherein the connection circuit
comprises a zener diode.
14. The receiver of claim 11, wherein the connection circuit
comprises a transistor.
15. The receiver of claim 14, further comprising current sensing
circuit that senses the channel current in the transistor wherein,
when the channel current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the
current sensing circuit turns off the transistor.
16. The receiver of claim 15, wherein the current sensing circuit
comprises a comparator that compares the voltage across the first
terminal of the first interface and a voltage at the second
terminal of the second interface.
17. The receiver of claim 11, further comprising a communication
circuit for providing data over the first and second terminals of
the first interface.
18. The receiver of claim 17, further comprising a modulation
circuit for modulating data for transmission to the
transmitter.
19. The receiver of claim 17, further comprising a demodulation
circuit for demodulating data received from the transmitter.
20. The receiver of claim 11, wherein the receiver is provided a
cover to be placed over the device to be charged.
21. The receiver of claim 20, wherein the device to be charged
comprises a mobile communication device.
22. The receiver of claim 21, wherein the mobile communication
device comprises a camera, wherein the first terminal of the first
interface is provided as a conductive ring around the camera of the
mobile communication device.
23. The receiver of claim 21, wherein the second terminal of the
second interface comprises a conductive name plate.
24. The receiver of claim 21, wherein the cover further comprises a
connector for coupling a power connector of the mobile
communication device.
25. In a charging system for a mobile device including a
transmitter and a receiver, a method for a transmitter comprising:
providing a first interface to a power source having a first
terminal and a second terminal; providing a second interface to the
receiver having a first terminal and a second terminal; detecting
polarities of the first and second terminals of the second
interface; and controlling the first and second switches according
to the detected polarities, wherein the first switch selectively
connects the first terminal of the first interface to either the
first terminal of the second interface or the second terminal of
the second interface, and wherein the second switch selectively
connects the first terminal of the first interface to either the
first terminal of the second interface or the second terminal of
the second interface.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising connecting the first
and second terminals of the second interface to planar electrodes
on a charging station for contacting charging terminals of a mobile
device.
27. The method of claim 25, further comprising: providing a
plurality of additional terminals in the second interface, and
providing a plurality of additional switches each selectively
connecting one of the additional terminals to either the first
terminal of the first interface or the second terminal of the first
interface.
28. The method of claim 25, further comprising providing a
communication circuit for providing data over the first and second
terminals of the second interface.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the data are provided after
polarities on the first and second terminals of the first interface
are detected.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a
modulation circuit for modulating data for transmission to the
receiver.
31. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a
demodulation circuit for demodulating data received from the
receiver.
32. The method of claim 28, wherein the data comprises
identification information received from the receiver.
33. The method of claim 25, further comprising initiating a
charging operation after polarities of the first and second
terminals of the first interface are detected.
34. The method of claim 25, further comprising applying a voltage
on one of the first and second terminals of the second interface
and measuring a current at the other one of the first and second
terminals of the second interface.
35. The method of claim 25, further comprising sensing a
temperature of the transmitter.
36. The method of claim 25, further comprising monitoring an
over-current condition in the first and second terminals of the
second interface.
37. In a charging system for a mobile device including a
transmitter and a receiver, the method for a receiver comprising:
providing a first interface having a first terminal and a second
terminal; providing a second interface having a first terminal and
a second terminal coupled to a device to be charged; providing a
connection circuit between the first terminal of the first
interface and the first terminal of the second interface, wherein
the connection circuit is conductive when the voltage across the
first terminal of the first interface and the second terminal of
the first interface is of a first polarity, and the connection
circuit is non-conductive when the voltage across the first
terminal of the first interface and the second terminal of the
first interface is of a second polarity opposite the first
polarity.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprises connecting a diode
between the first and second terminals of the second interface.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the connection circuit
comprises a zener diode.
40. The method of claim 37, wherein the connection circuit
comprises a transistor.
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising sensing the channel
current in the transistor wherein, when the channel current exceeds
a predetermined threshold, turning off the transistor.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein sensing the channel current
comprises providing a comparator that compares the voltage across
the first terminal of the first interface and a voltage at the
second terminal of the second interface.
43. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing a
communication circuit for providing data over the first and second
terminals of the first interface.
44. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing a
modulation circuit for modulating data for transmission to the
transmitter.
45. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing a
demodulation circuit for demodulating data received from the
transmitter.
46. The method of claim 37, wherein the receiver is provided a
cover to be placed over the device to be charged.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the device to be charged
comprises a mobile communication device.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the mobile communication device
comprises a camera, wherein the first terminal of the first
interface is provided as a conductive ring around the camera of the
mobile communication device.
49. The method of claim 47, wherein the second terminal of the
second interface comprises a conductive name plate.
50. The method of claim 47, wherein the cover further comprises a
connector for coupling a power connector of the mobile
communication device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application relates to charging circuits for
charging batteries in portable devices.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] There are two categories of wireless chargers for portable
devices. In this regard, the term "wireless charger" refers to a
charger that does not connect to the device to be charged through a
charging cable. In one category, which is referred to herein as
"direct contact chargers", a charger or charging station ("charge
base") transfers energy through direct contacts to the device being
charged. In the other category, which is referred to herein as
"inductive chargers", a charger transfers energy over an
electromagnetic field that couples the charger to the portable
device being charged. Typically, an inductive charger is provided
in the form of a charge base, and energy is transferred by
inductive coupling from the electromagnetic field generated by the
charge base to an electrical circuit, which in turns charges the
batteries of the portable device.
[0005] An inductive charger typically has an induction coil which
creates an alternating electromagnetic field from within the charge
base. A second induction coil, provided in the portable device,
takes power from the electromagnetic field and converts it into an
electrical current to charge the battery. The two induction coils
in proximity effectively form an electrical transformer. This form
of induction charging has many disadvantages not present in direct
contact charging. For example, relative to direct contact chargers,
inductive chargers have a lower efficiency and increased resistive
heating. As energy that is lost turns into heat, an inductive
charger can get quite warm during charging. An increase in
temperature unduly increases stress to the battery, so that
batteries that are charged in this manner may not last as long, as
compared to batteries charged on a mat or through a regular plug-in
charger. The heat buildup, which occurs only during charging,
represents a low efficiency that depends significantly on the
relative position of the two inductively coupled coils.
Implementations that use lower frequencies or older drive
technologies charge more slowly and generate more heat. Unlike
direct contact chargers, inductive chargers include drive
electronics and coils, thus increasing complexity and manufacturing
costs. Another disadvantage is a public health concern that the
alternating electromagnetic field (.about.5 W, at radio frequencies
in the 80-300 kHz range) is typically used very close to the human
body. Some charge bases transmit at 915 MHz, which is the frequency
that is used for food heating in microwave ovens.
[0006] There are many ways to implement direct contact charging.
One way uses point-to-point electrodes, such as those used in home
cordless telephones. One disadvantage of point-to-point electrodes
is device alignment (i.e., the charge base and the device being
charged are required to be placed precisely aligned in position and
in correct polarities). Another way uses multiple-point to strips,
such as used in the Wildcharge system. The disadvantage is the
device to be charged has to have multiple electrodes arranged in a
small circle, which is usually provided at the weight center of the
device to be charged to prevent tilting. If the device is tilted,
electrical contact is lost and charging fails. Another disadvantage
results from misaligned positions between the charge base and the
device being charged (e.g., when two electrodes fall between two
adjacent electrode strips).
SUMMARY
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two or
more conducting layers are provided on a charge base as electrodes,
such that a portable device to be charged can be placed in any
position without risking disconnection from one electrode. As a
result, the device to be charged does not need to have more than
two electrodes which also do not need to be placed at or near the
weight center of the portable device. The two electrodes on the
portable device to be charged can be placed anywhere on that
device, so long as the distance between these electrodes is greater
than the base electrode plate on the charge base.
[0008] A charging system for a mobile device includes a transmitter
and a receiver. The transmitter includes (a) a first interface to a
power source having a first terminal and a second terminal; (b) a
second interface to the receiver having a first terminal and a
second terminal; (c) a polarity detection circuit coupled to the
first and second terminals of the second interface for detecting
polarities of the first and second terminals of the second
interface; and (d) first and second switches controlled by the
polarity detection circuit, wherein the first switch selectively
connects the first terminal of the first interface to either the
first terminal of the second interface or the second terminal of
the second interface, and wherein the second switch selectively
connects the first terminal of the first interface to either the
first terminal of the second interface or the second terminal of
the second interface. The receiver includes: (a) a first interface
having a first terminal and a second terminal; (b) a second
interface having a first terminal and a second terminal coupled to
a device to be charged; and (c) a connection circuit between the
first terminal of the first interface and the first terminal of the
second interface, wherein the connection circuit is conductive when
the voltage across the first terminal of the first interface and
the second terminal of the first interface is of a first polarity,
and the connection circuit is non-conductive when the voltage
across the first terminal of the first interface and the second
terminal of the first interface is of a second polarity opposite
the first polarity.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after
the polarities of the device to be charged are determined,
identification information is exchanged between the transmitter and
the receiver. In one embodiment, current is monitored throughout to
prevent power transfer from the device to be charged and the charge
base.
[0010] The present invention is better understood upon
consideration of the detailed description below in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a charging configuration for charge base 109,
back cover 101 and portable cellular telephone 100, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a reverse side of back cover 101 in relation to
the reverse side of cellular telephone 100 (shown schematically),
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows schematically charge base 109, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charger system including
integrated circuit 120 in charge base 120, integrated circuit 113
on back cover 101 and charger integrated circuit 121 in cellular
telephone 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 5(a)-5(d) shows a 4-electrode charge base which can
charge up to two cellular telephones.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows block diagram 600 representing integrated
circuit 120, in accordance to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows flow-chart 700 summarizing operations of a
transmitter side integrated circuit described above.
[0018] FIG. 8(a) is representative schematic circuit 800 for a
receiver side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8(b) is representative schematic circuit 820 for a
receiver side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8(c) is representative schematic circuit 840 for a
receiver side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8(d) is representative schematic circuit 860 for a
receiver side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9(a) is a block diagram of communication circuit 900
suitable for communicating information between the transmitter side
(e.g., integrated circuit 120 of charge base 109) and the receiver
side (e.g., integrated circuit 113 of back cover 101), in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9(b) is a block diagram of communication circuit 920
suitable for communicating information between the transmitter side
and the receiver side, using both terminals (i.e., VDD and GND) as
signal paths, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a charging configuration for charge base 109
and portable cellular telephone 100, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, on one
surface of charging station 109 is provided planar electrodes 106
and 107 separated and insulated from each other by gap 108.
Cellular telephone 100 may be provided back cover 101 for
attachment to the reverse side of cellular telephone 100, as shown
in FIG. 1. On one side of back cover 101 is provided conductive
ring 102 positioned around edge 104 over the outside perimeter of
camera 114 (see FIG. 2), which is customarily provided on a
smartphone. On the other side of back cover 101 is provided
conductive plate 103, which may also serve, for example, as a logo
plate for cellular telephone 100. In this embodiment, during
charging, conductive ring 102 and conductive plate 103 also serve
as electrodes on cellular telephone 100 for contacting counterpart
planar electrodes 106 and 107 of charge base 109, as shown in FIG.
1. Back cover 101 also includes connector 105, which is provided to
couple with power connector 110 of cellular telephone 100 (see FIG.
2). Power connector 110 is otherwise the receptacle for a charging
cable that is used to charge cellular telephone 100 in conventional
charging.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a reverse side of back cover 101 in relation to
the reverse side of cellular telephone 100 (shown schematically),
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 2, connector 105 is shown configured for coupling to
power connector 110. On the reverse side of back cover 101 is
provided integrated circuit 113 ("receiver IC3"), which is
electrically connected to conductive ring 102, conductive plate 103
and connector 105. As shown in FIG. 2, a conductive path 112 (e.g.,
a wire) on back cover 101. FIG. 2 also shows schematically battery
115 of cellular telephone 100.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows schematically charge base 109, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3,
charge base 109 includes integrated circuit 120 ("auto switch and
protection IC"), which is connected to planar electrodes 106 and
107 at conducting points 118 and 119 through conductive paths 116
and 117 (e.g., conductive wires), respectively. Integrated circuit
120 may be powered, for example, by a USB source, a battery or a
power adapter.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charge system including
integrated circuit 120 in charge base 109, integrated circuit 113
on back cover 101 and charger integrated circuit 121 in cellular
telephone 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 4, integrated circuit 120 includes
switches S2 and S1, which are controlled by a polarity direction
and protective circuit to configure the polarities at electrodes
106 and 107. In the configuration of FIG. 4, integrated circuit 120
is the "transmitter side" integrated circuit, which sends detection
signals to electrodes 106 and 107 periodically to detect if a valid
electronic device to be charged is placed on charge base 109. The
response by a valid device to be charged determines the polarity of
the device's electrodes 102 and 103 contacting planar electrodes
106 and 107. In response, integrated circuit 120 turns on the
corresponding power switches S2 and S1, thus connecting power
supply V to electrodes 106 and 107 in proper polarity for charging
the portable device. During charging, integrating circuit 120 also
monitors the charge current in real time. When the charge current
diminishes sufficiently, thus indicating that the charge is
substantially complete, integrated circuit 120 sends out a "fully
charged" indication. Also, after integrated circuit 120 connects
power supply V to electrodes 106 and 107 through switches S2 and
S1, integrated circuit 120 begins detecting in real time if the
portable device being charge remains on charge base 109. When
integrated circuit 120 detects the device being charged is removed
from charge base 109, integrated circuit 120 returns to idle
status. In the idle state, integrated circuit 120 sends detection
signals to electrodes 106 and 107 periodically until a valid device
to be charged is detected as being placed on charge base 109.
[0028] Thus, to summarize, according to one embodiment of the
present invention, integration circuit 120 in charge base 109 is
configured to perform the following steps: [0029] (a) detecting (i)
if there is any object placed on charge base 109, (ii) if an object
is detected, determining if the object is a valid electronic
device, (iii) if the object is detected and the object is not a
valid electronic device, outputting a signal indicating an error
condition, and (iv) if an object is not detected, no action is
taken; [0030] (b) if a valid electronic device is detected, (i)
sending an electrical stimulus signal through planar electrodes 106
and 107; and (ii) measuring a response received from planar
electrodes 106 and 107 to determine the polarities of the two
electrodes of the device to be charged that are contacting planar
electrodes 106 and 107; [0031] (c) after the polarities of the two
electrodes of the device to be charged are determined, turning on
power switches S2 and S1 within integrated circuit 102 so that the
output voltage across planar electrodes 106 and 107 has polarities
matching to the determined polarities of the device being charged;
[0032] (d) through the output voltage imposed on planar electrodes
106 and 107, charging the battery on the device to be charged
according to a predetermined scheme (e.g., a recommended charging
scheme specified by the manufacturer of the device being charged);
and [0033] (e) monitoring the progress of the charging operation
and taking proper actions as the battery charging progresses, e.g.,
reducing the output current and send out a "fully charged"
indication signal when the battery is fully charged.
[0034] In one embodiment, integrated circuit 120 also monitors in
real time whether or not the device being charged remains on charge
base 109. When the device being charged is removed from charge base
109, integrated circuit 120 disconnects power switches S1 and S2
electrically from power supply V, and returns to step (a) where
charge base 109 determines whether or not a valid electronic device
has been placed on charge base 109.
[0035] In one embodiment, integrated circuit 120 also monitors the
surrounding temperature; all power switches are disconnected from
power supply V, when integrated circuit 120 detects a temperature
that exceeds the preset threshold.
[0036] Another feature of integrated circuit 120 is the ability to
communicate with integrated circuit 113 on back cover 101 using the
connecting electrical paths of electrodes 102, 103, 106 and 107.
This arrangement provides an internal signal communication system
that does not require use of any public bandwidth, thus freeing
bandwidth in the portable device for variable data communication,
such as audio or video data.
[0037] Integrated circuit 113, provided on the receiver side, may
be built into or included as an accessory (e.g., back cover 101) to
the device to be charged. Integrated circuit 113 may provide to the
transmitter side (i.e., integrated circuit 120) information to
validate the device to be charged and the polarities of its
electrodes. Communicating through electrodes 102, 103, 106 and 107,
integrated circuit 113 provides identification information to
integrated circuit 120. As described above, after integrated
circuit 120 determines that the device to be charged is an
appropriate device, integrated circuit 120 provides a charging
voltage at electrodes 106 and 107 to charge the battery inside the
device being charged.
[0038] Thus, as described above, integrated circuit 120 on the
charge base 109 detects the polarities of the electrodes of the
device to be charged that are contacting charge base 109. The same
principles may be applied for a charger having more than two charge
electrodes, such as the 4-electrode charge base shown in FIGS.
5(a)-5(d). FIGS. 5(a)-5(d) show a 4-electrode charge base which can
accommodate up to two cellular telephones placed in various
orientations. The use of multiple electrodes on a charge base
provides greater charge flexibility and allows simultaneous
charging of multiple devices. Various configurations, such as, 6, 8
or more electrodes can be easily provided.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows block diagram 600 representing integrated
circuit 120, in accordance to one embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 6, electrodes 106 and 107 represented
respectively by terminal labeled "B" and "A", respectively.
Transistors PFET_A and NFET_A thus form switch S1 which selectively
connects electrode 107 to power terminal VDD or ground terminal
VSS, according to the detected polarity of the device to be
charged. Similarly, transistors PFET_B and NFET_B form switch S2
which selectively connects electrode 106 to power terminal VDD or
ground terminal VSS, according to the detected polarities in the
electrodes of the device to be charged. To detect the validity and
the polarities of the device to be charged, integrated circuit 120
sends signals to the receiver side (e.g., integrated circuit 113)
according to a hand-shaking protocol. The response from the
receiver side provides identification information (e.g., device
name and device model). Circuit 600 includes circuit 601 for
detecting polarities of the device to be charged. As shown in FIG.
6, switches 611 and 612 are provided to selectively connect
electrodes 107 and 106 to power terminal VDD at clock phases ph1
and ph2. At the first phase (ph1), switch 611 on the "A" side is
open and switch 612 on the "B" side is closed while electrode 107
is connected to VDD. If the positive terminal of the device to be
charged is placed on electrode 107 on the "A" side, a current of 1
mA can be drawn from electrode 106 on the "B" side. The conducting
current provides a valid "1" at the output terminal of comparator
602; otherwise, a valid "0" is provided at the output terminal of
comparator 602. At the second phase (ph2), switch 611 on the "A"
side is closed and switch 612 is open while electrode 106 is
connected to VDD. If the positive terminal of the device to be
charged is placed on electrode 106 on the "B" side, a current of 1
mA can be drawn from electrode 107 on the "A" side. The conducting
current provides a valid "1" at the output terminal of comparator
603; otherwise, a valid "0" is provided at the output terminal of
comparator 603. The results achieved in phases ph1 and ph2 are
combined: [0040] Case 1: When no load is connected across
electrodes 106 and 107, both phases result in a valid "0." [0041]
Case 2: When there is a short circuit between "A" (107) and "B"
(106), a valid "1" is detected in both phases, which is recognized
as an invalid load. [0042] Case 3: When a device to be charged with
a valid receiver integrated circuit (e.g., integrated circuit 113)
is placed between terminal "A" (i.e., electrode 107) and terminal
"B" (i.e., electrode 106) with the positive terminal touching
terminal "A" (107) and the negative terminal touching terminal "B"
(i.e., electrode 106), a valid "1" is obtained at comparator 602 at
phase ph1 and a valid "0" at comparator 603 at phase ph2. This
result is recognized as a valid load. Polarity detection may be
repeated to confirm the result. Integrated circuit 120 then
connects terminal "A" (107) to power terminal VDD (e.g., by turning
on transistor PFET_A of switch S2) and terminal "B" (106) to ground
terminal VSS (e.g., by turning on transistor NFET_B of switch S1).
Charging can then begin. [0043] Case 4: When the device to be
charged with a valid receiver integrated circuit (e.g., integrated
circuit 113) is placed between terminal "A" (i.e., electrode 107)
and terminal "B" (i.e., electrode 106) with the negative terminal
touching terminal "A" (107) and the positive terminal touching
terminal "B" (i.e., electrode 106), a valid "0" is obtained at
comparator 602 at phase ph1 and a valid "1" at comparator 603 at
phase ph2. This result is recognized as a valid load. Polarity
detection may be repeated to confirm the result. Integrated circuit
120 then connects terminal "B" (106) to power terminal VDD (e.g.,
by turning on transistor PFET_B of switch S1) and terminal "A"
(106) to ground terminal VSS (e.g., by turning on transistor NFET_A
of switch S2). Charging can then begin.
[0044] Simultaneously, the transmitter side (i.e., integrated
circuit 120) sends, according to the hand-shaking protocol, a
command to the receiver side (e.g., integrated circuit 113) to
obtain identification information. The receiver integrated circuit
responds according to the hand-shake protocol. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, the hand-shaking protocol is
implemented by a proprietary hand-shaking protocol that requires
the conduction current to flow only from the positive terminal to
the negative terminal of the device to be charged; and the reverse
conduction current to be negligible. Thus, the valid receiver
integrated circuit informs the transmitter integrated circuit that
(1) it is the valid receiver, and (2) the proper polarities of its
electrodes as currently placed on charge base 109. In response to
the transmitter's command, the receiver integrated circuit sends
back identification information through the contacting
electrodes.
[0045] After charging begins, integrated circuit 120 monitors the
charge current passing through switches S1 and S2. When the charge
current falls below the "charge finish" threshold, integrated
circuit 120 initializes hand-shake detection to determine whether
or not the current reduction is due to removal of the device being
charged from charge base 109 or the device being charged remains on
charge base 109, but is approaching being fully charged. If Case 1
condition is detected at the output terminals of comparators 604
and 606, the device being charged is removed. If the hand-shaking
result shows Case 2 condition or Case 3 condition at the output
terminals of comparators 604 and 606, the device being charged is
considered fully charged. Integrated circuit 120 reports the
results accordingly.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention,
integrated circuit 120 also detects if the charge current is higher
than an "over-current-protection" threshold. If the charge current
exceeds the over-current protection threshold, integrated circuit
120 turns off the appropriate transistors of switches S1 and S2 to
avoid damage to charge base 109, and indicates the condition by
turning on the corresponding fault condition light. In the same
embodiment, abnormal conditions, such as an out-of-range
temperature or voltage, are also monitored. If an abnormal
condition is detected, integrated circuit 120 takes appropriate
lock-out or shut-down actions.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows flow-chart 700 summarizing operations of a
transmitter side integrated circuit described above.
[0048] FIG. 8(a) is representative schematic circuit 800 for a
receiver side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8(a), at power-on, so
long as a reverse polarity is not provided across terminals 102 and
103, power-on reset circuit 801 causes comparator 802 to switch on
transistor MN. If terminals 102 and 103 come into contact with a
charge base (e.g., charge base 109) and if the hand-shaking signals
are such that the voltage across terminals 102 and 103 is negative,
comparator 802 turns off transistor MN to avoid imposing a negative
voltage across the device to be charged. In addition, diode 803
provides additional protection. When the transmitter side provides
the hand-shaking signals such that the voltage across terminals 102
and 103 is positive, comparator 802 turns on transistor MN to
provide a positive voltage for charging across the device to be
charged. In this manner, the conduction current is non-zero when a
positive voltage is present from the "+" (102) terminal to the "-"
(103) terminal, and the conduction current is negligible when the
polarities are reversed, as required under the proprietary protocol
discussed above. In addition, after the transmission side (e.g.,
integrated circuit 120) successfully detects polarities of the
electrodes on the receiver side, ID response module 804 obtains
identification information from the device to be charged and
provides the identification information to the transmitter
side.
[0049] During charging, transistor MN is fully conducting and
internal comparator 802 compares the voltage between terminal "VSS"
(at device being charged) and "-" (103) to monitor the channel
current in transistor MN, to prevent power transfer from the device
being charged to charge base 109.
[0050] FIG. 8(b) shows exemplary schematic circuit 820 for a
receiver side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. Circuit 820 operates in substantially the
same manner as described for circuit 800 of FIG. 8(a), except that
transistor MP of circuit 820 is a p-channel MOS transistor, while
transistor MN of circuit 800 is an N-channel MOS transistor.
[0051] FIGS. 8(c) and 8(d) illustrate two alternative exemplary
schematic circuits 840 and 860, each being suitable for a receiver
side integrated circuit, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Circuits 840 and 860 each include a zener diode
(i.e., zener diodes 841 and 861) to prevent damage due to
mismatched polarities between the charge base and the device to be
charged. However, the power losses in circuits 840 and 860 are
substantially higher than those of circuits 800 and 820 described
above. Furthermore, circuits 840 and 860 do not have the capability
of providing identification information of the device to be charged
to the transmitter side.
[0052] FIG. 9(a) is a block diagram of communication circuit 900
suitable for communicating information between the transmitter side
(e.g., integrated circuit 120 of charge base 109) and the receiver
side (e.g., integrated circuit 113 of back cover 101), in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 9(a), circuit 900 includes filters 901 and 902 on both
sides of the communication path. Filters 901 and 902 are low-pass
or DC-pass filters that are used to isolate the communication
signal path--which are AC signals--from the low impedance power
path. Filters 901 and 902 may each be implemented by a single
inductor, or other components performing the required filter
function. Because of filters 901 and 902, the communication
protocol may be provided by a proprietary protocol without
interfering with public communication signals. As shown in FIG.
9(a), data communication can be achieved (but not necessarily) by
modulating data symbols (911) under modulation scheme 912 (e.g.,
using a carrier signal) for transmission and demodulated (913) when
received. Signal communication may be unidirectional at a time
(i.e., from transmitter to receiver or from receiver to
transmitter), or bidirectional simultaneously (i.e., from
transmitter to receiver and from receiver to transmitter).
[0053] FIG. 9(b) is a block diagram of communication circuit 920
suitable for communicating information between the transmitter side
and the receiver side, using both terminals (i.e., VDD and GND) as
signal paths, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Since both the VDD and GND terminals are in the
communication paths, additional filters 923 and 924 are
provided.
[0054] The above detailed description is provided to illustrate the
specific embodiments of the present invention and is not intended
to be limiting. Numerous variations and modifications within the
scope of the present invention are possible. The present invention
is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *